Karma's Puppet: The Journey from Conception to 'ROT'

Karma’s Puppet emerges as a band that's carved its unique niche. With an innovative blend of melody, groove, and dynamic musicality, they have garnered the attention of music enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll explore the band's evolution, tracing their journey from inception to their upcoming album, "Where The Old Roots Grow," and the release of their latest single, "ROT."

The story of Karma’s Puppet began after the dissolution of a previous musical project (of which we are huge fans and you will find one of their tracks on our compilation album Forged in Stone and Steel Part 2). Founding members Alex Blaikie, Simon Mayo, and Tom Perry contemplated the idea of creating a fresh musical endeavour. Initially, the possibilities seemed boundless, but transitioning from a more constrained genre presented its challenges and it took time for the band to establish a consistent direction.

During this period of experimentation, Karma’s Puppet faced multiple hurdles and experienced several line up changes. However, the band utilised this time productively, recording their debut singles, "Sleepless" and "Wake of Vultures," which they released across various music streaming platforms.

By 2020, Karma’s Puppet had assembled a stable line up, enlisting the talents of Matt Poole and Max Hodson. They honed their skills, refining their live performances and introducing fresh material to their repertoire. However, just as they were gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a series of lockdowns in the UK, impeding their progress.

Despite these difficulties, Karma’s Puppet remained resilient. They maintained an active online presence, creating and releasing content while adhering to safety guidelines to rehearse and perform live whenever feasible.

By July 2021, as the live music scene cautiously re-emerged from its pandemic-induced hiatus, Karma’s Puppet was prepared to take the stage. They performed at various venues, including The Spinning Top in Stockport, Wangies in Eccles, and beyond, captivating audiences with their distinctive sound and high-energy live shows. Their unique habit of joining the audience during breakdowns added a personal touch that resonated with fans.

The band's efforts were well-received, and they gained traction within the local music scene. Notably, they were invited to support acts such as 'The Five Hundred' and 'Osiah.'

In January 2022, Karma’s Puppet released their self-titled debut EP, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Around the same time, they decided to participate in the Metal 2 The Masses competition. Their journey through the competition proved to be a resounding success, culminating in a memorable appearance on the New Blood stage at Bloodstock 2022.

As 2023 dawned, Karma’s Puppet continued to expand their horizons, performing in cities such as Leicester, Sheffield, Wakefield, and Derby. Simultaneously, they embarked on the creation of their full-length album, "Where The Old Roots Grow." This album would feature a mix of reimagined previous releases and fresh, innovative material. Recording commenced at Noiseboy Studios in Salford, marking yet another milestone in their journey.

Karma’s Puppet's path, from its inception to the forthcoming release of "Where The Old Roots Grow," exemplifies the band's unwavering dedication to their craft. As they unveil their latest single, "ROT," music enthusiasts eagerly anticipate another chapter in their unique musical odyssey. Stay tuned for more from Karma’s Puppet as they continue to make their mark on the UK music scene in 2023 and beyond.

Take a listen to “ROT” here: